Ammunition for target practice or other short-range purposes

ABSTRACT

Projectiles designed for practice or other limited-range purposes, including a tip which will disintegrate and/or be jettisoned from the body of the projectile and laterally deflected from the path thereof shortly after exit from the barrel of the firearm, which tip is constructed with a longitudinal cross section deviating from rotational symmetry and/or an annular hollow space surrounding the central core thereof and extending rearward, which hollow space is defined by the outer shell of the tip, having a thickness such that it may be ruptured by the pressure of the propellant gases.

United States Patent 603,466 5/1898 Hammer 102/5 3 906,771 12/1908 Clotz 244/323 2,246,429 6/1941 Brandt..... 102/92.6 2,356,227 8/1944 Diehl l02/92.6 2,386,054 10/1945 McGee.... 244/323 3,282,214 11/1966 Briscoe.... 102/38 3,357,357 12/1967 Voss 102/92.3

Primary Examiner-Robert F Stahl Att0rney-Craig, Antonelli, Stewart & Hill ABSTRACT: Projectiles designed for practice or other limited-range purposes, including a tip which will disintegrate and/or be jettisoned from the body of the projectile and laterally deflected from the path thereof shortly after exit from the barrel of the firearm, which tip is constructed with a longitudinal cross section deviating from rotational symmetry and/or an annular hollow space surrounding the central core thereof and extending rearward, which hollow space is defined by the outer shell of the tip, having a thickness such that it may be ruptured by the pressure of the propellant gases.

[72] Inventors Heinz Gawlick;

Rudolf Stahlmann, Furth; Hans Umback, Stadeln, Kronacher, Germany [21] App]. No. 757,898 22 Filed Sept. 6, 1968 [45] Patented May 25, 1971 [73] Assignee Dynamit Nobel Aktiengesellschait Troisdorf, Germany 32 Priority Sept. 6, 1967 [33] Germany [31] P 15 78 123.4

[54] AMMUNITION FOR TARGET PRACTICE OR OTHER SHORT-RANGE PURPOSES 13 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 102/92.7, lO2/92.6, 244/323 [51] Int. Cl F42b 11/18 [50] Field of Search 102/52, 54, 56, 38, 92.6, 93, 53, 3, 92.7,1, 92.3; 244/323 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 391,367 10/1888 Hurst 102/92.6

iZ j 4%" PATENTEU ms |97| INVENTORS HEINZ GAWLICK RUDOLF STAHLMANN HANS UMBACH BY 6%? W ATTORNEYS AMMUNITION FOR TARGET PRACTICE OR OTHER SHORT-RANGE PURPOSES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to axially perforated projectiles for practice or other limited range purposes, incorporating a tip which either disintegrates upon firing or is jettisoned from the projectile shortly after exit from the barrel of the firearm.

Conventionally, projectiles intended for practice purposes are designed and manufactured for limited range by employing materials of low density. When using such projectiles in connection with automatic firearms, however, special precautions are required to ensure the automatic functioning of the firearm.

In order to overcome these problems, practice ammunition has been developed wherein the projectile, otherwise formed similarly to corresponding live ammunition, is provided with a central axial bore extending through the entire length thereof. Further, the end of the central bore of the projectile which adjoins the propellant charge disposed rearward thereof, is separated from the propellant charge only by means of a thin and readily destructible foil or the like. Thus, a predetermined portion of the propellant gases, varying with the diameter of the bore within the projectile, is permitted to flow ofithrough the bore as lost energy during the firing process. Even though materials of relatively high density may be employed, the range of such projectiles is nevertheless reduced by a significant amount.

Further development of projectiles for training purposes which, by virtue of their limited flight range, are useful as well, as live ammunition against relatively close-range targets, has been directed in efforts to produce a tip, of a low-density material, which could be secured to the forward end of a projectile having a central axial bore, wherein the tip could be jettisoned from the projectile after firing. By virtue of such efforts, projectiles have been produced incorporating a tip of this sort, in which the tip was designed so as to complement the fonn of the projectile body, in an attempt to produce a complete projectile body having the desired aerodynamic properties.

Serious problems have nevertheless still been encountered, particularly in ammunition of relatively large caliber. Specifically, it has been found that even when a relatively lightweight material such as a synthetic thermoplastic is used for forming the tip, the range of the tip of the projectile, although jettisoned, can still be substantial. Thus, during target practice shooting, the indication of hits might well be distorted since the intended hits of the axially bored projectiles, which are termed short-range projectiles, are indicated together with a pattern of inadvertent hits registered by the jettisoned tips of the projectiles.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to produce a projectile useful for purposes of practice and other short-range applications, which overcomes the disadvantages inherent in the conventional ammunition.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tip which can be employed in combination with a projectile body having a central axial bore therethrough, wherein the disintegration of the tip or at least the lateral deflection of the jettisoned tip from the path of the projectile body is virtually certain to occur either within the barrel of the firearm or a relatively short distance therefrom.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a composite projectile body, including a projectile body having a central axial bore therethrough and a tip formed from low-density material, which, when employed for purposes of target practice, will produce more meaningful and reliable indications of accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These objects are accomplished, in accordance with the present invention, by constructing the tip such that a longitudinal cross section thereof exhibits a deviation from rotational symmetry and/or providing the tip with an annular hollow space defined by the outer shell and the central core of the tip, which hollow space is open in the rearward direction toward the projectile body, wherein the outer wall of the hollow space has a predetermined thickness which ensures the rupture of the wall under the pressure of the propellant gases, preferably within the barrel of the firearm, and certainly, immediately upon exit from the barrel. Thus, a projectile constructed in accordance with the present invention incorporates a tip which, after exit from the barrel of the firearm, is jettisoned from the projectile body and laterally deflected from the path thereof and/or which disintegrates into several portions which, due to their relatively lightweight, exhibit a very short flight period. Such a construction, therefore, prevents the jettisoned tip of the projectile from impinging on a practice target, thereby distorting the accuracy indication.

In a practical embodiment of the present invention, the tip is constructed with the rear end of the outer shell or jacket thereof extending over a projection formed at the front end of the projectile body. Additionally, the tip is connected with the projectile body by the extension of the central core of the tip into the central axial bore of the projectile body. These dual connection provisions virtually eliminate the danger of an accidental separation of the tip from the projectile body during handling of the ammunition, for example, when introducing ammunition, by means of a special device, into the cartridge chamber of the firearm. The possibility of accidental separation is even further decreased when, in accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the connection between the outer jacket of the tip and the projection on the body of the projectile is constructed in the form of a snap-lock connection, by providing a conically thickened section toward the rear end of the outer jacket of the tip, which section firmly engages with a correspondingly fashioned constriction provided at the projection on the projectile body.

If the tip is constructed with a hollow space surrounding a central core, the present invention further contemplates the provision of reinforcing radial ribs over at least part of the length of the hollow space to provide the necessary strength to withstand the mechanical stresses to which the ammunition is exposed during transport and introduction into the cartridge chamber of the firearm. While other forms of reinforcement could also be suitably employed, these must not, however, operate to afford such strength that the tip, having separated from the projectile body, might remain intact under the pressure of the propellant gases.

One particularly simple means for imparting asymmetry to the construction of the tip, in accordance with the present invention, involves the provision of a perforation, bore or the like connecting the exterior surface of the outer jacket with the rear end of the tip. With such an arrangement, the tip, after separation from the projectile body, is influenced by the propellant gases even while still within the barrel of the firearm and immediately after exiting therefrom, the propellant gases thus imparting a lateral deflection of the tip from a straight flight path.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the destruction of the central core of the tip is rendered more certain by providing a recess, open in the rearward direction, extending along a relatively large part of the length of the core.

A synthetic resin material is suitable for the construction of the tip of the projectile in accordance with the present inven tion. Of course, it is also possible, however, to employ other relatively lightweight and readily destructable materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a projectile according to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The tip, which is illustrated of approximately oval shape, incorporates a central core 1, which extends into the central bore 3 of the projectile body 2. The core 1 is retained within the bore 3 appropriately by means of a slight clamping or frictional seat pressure. The outer jacket 5, which, together with central core 1, defines the hollow space 4, includes a conically thickened rearward end 6 which engages over the plug-shaped projection 7 at the forward end of the projectile body 2, projection 7 being conically constricted to conformingly engage with end 6. Preferably, the engagement between end 6 and projection 7 retains wall in the manner of a snap-lock connection. A bore 8 is formed in the tip extending from the outer surface thereof toward the rear end, thus providing the passage of propellant gases therethrough. Ribs 9 are disposed between outer jacket 5 and central core 1 for purposes of reinforcement. A recess may be provided within the central core, open at the rearward end thereof, extending over at least a portion of the length of the central core, as indicated in dotdash lines in FIG. 1.

Upon firing of the cartridge, a portion of the propellant gases flows into the central bore 3 of the projectile body 2 and first effects the separation of the tip from the projectile body. During the further course of passing through the barrel of the firearm, the tip is then blown up and torn apart by the propellant gases flowing through the bore 3 and into the hollow space 4, at least insofar as this is intended, and depending upon the dimensioning of the various parts. The broken segments of the tip, being individually light in weight, fall to the ground relatively soon after exiting from the barrel of the firearm. Additionally, in some cases, the broken segments are laterally deflected out of the flight path of the projectile body 2. When destruction of the tip is not intended or for any other reason fails to occur, depending upon the dimensions thereon, the bore 8 effects the lateral deflection of the tip out of the flight path of the projectile projectile body 2 after the tip has exited from the barrel of the firearm.

While we'have shown and described only one embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto, but is susceptible of numerous changes and modifications as known to a person skilled in the art, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and modifications as are encompassed by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

I. A projectile for practice or other short-range purposes, comprising:

1 projectile body means having a central axial bore therethrough,

tip means adapted for locking engagement with said projectile body means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the direction of firing, said tip means being rotationally asymmetric about the central longitudinal axis thereof.

2. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein said tip means includes central core means and outer jacket means secured thereto in the region of the forward end thereof, said outer jacket means and said central core means defining therebetween an annularly shaped hollow space open in the rearward direction of said projectile, said outer jacket means having a predetermined thickness calculated to rupture under the pressure of the propellant gases upon firing of the projec tile.

3. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein said projectile body means includes a plug-shaped projection at the forward end thereof, said projection having a tapered peripheral surface, said outer jacket means having an oppositely tapered surface at the rearward end thereof which conformingly engages with said plug-shaped pro ection to produce a snap-lock attachment between said tip means and said projectile body means.

4. A projectile according to claim 3, wherein said central core means extends into said central axial bore in said projectile body means and is seated therein under pressure when said tip means and said projectile body means are connected.

5. A projectile according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of said tip means, bounding said hollow space, includes reinforcing rib means extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the said projectile over at least a projectile portion of the length of said hollow space.

6. A projectile according to claim 5, wherein said outer jacket means of said tip means includes a bore therethrough,

permitting the flow of gases between said hollow space within said tip means and the exterior of said projectile.

7. A projectile according to claim 6, wherein said bore through said outer jacket means extends substantially in the axial direction of said projectile and is spaced laterally from the central axis of said projectile.

8. A projectile according to claim 7, wherein said central core means includes an axial bore therein, said axial bore extending inwardly from said rearward end of said central core means.

9. A projectile according to claim 8, wherein said tip means is constructed of a relatively low-density synthetic resinous material.

10. In a projectile for practice or other short-range purposes, including projectile body means having a central bore extending therethrough, the improvement comprising detachable and readily destructible tip means including central core means and outer jacket means, integral with said central core means at the forward end thereof and extending radially outwardly therefrom and rearwardly, thus defining an annularly shaped hollow space between said central core means and said outer jacket means, said hollow space being open in the rearward direction, the rear end of said outer jacket means being provided with means for securing said tip means to said projectile body means prior to firing of the projectile, said outer jacket means having a predetermined wall thickness calculated to ensure rupture of the wall under the pressure of the propellant gases upon firing of the projectile.

11. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein the rear end of said outer jacket means and the forward end of said projectile body means are constructed as conformingly tapered surfaces which engage in the manner of a snap-lock connection.

12. The improvement according to claim 11, wherein said outer jacket means is perforated by at least one bore extending therethrough, thus permitting passage of gases through said outer jacket means, said bore extending in a generally axial direction and being spaced laterally from the central axis of said projectile.

13. The improvement according to claim 12, wherein said central core means extends into the central axial bore of said projectile body means when said tip means is attached thereto, said central core means being dimensioned such that it engages within said central axial bore with slight clamping force, said central core means having a centrally disposed axial bore extending inwardly from the rear end thereof over a portion of the length of said core means. 

1. A projectile for practice or other short-range purposes, comprising: 1 projectile body means having a central axial bore therethrough, tip means adapted for locking engagement with said projectile body means at the forward end thereof as viewed in the direction of firing, said tip means being rotationally asymmetric about the central longitudinal axis thereof.
 2. A projectile according to claim 1, wherein said tip means includes central core means and outer jacket means secured thereto in the region of the forward end thereof, said outer jacket means and said central core means defining therebetween an annularly shaped hollow space open in the rearward direction of said projectile, said outer jacket means having a predetermined thickness calculated to rupture under the pressure of the propellant gases upon firing of the projectile.
 3. A projectile according to claim 2, wherein said projectile body means includes a plug-shaped projection at the forward end thereof, said projection having a tapered peripheral surface, said outer jacket means having an oppositely tapered surface at the rearward end thereof which conformingly engages with said plug-shaped projection to produce a snap-lock attachment between said tip means and said projectile body means.
 4. A projectile according to claim 3, wherein said central core means extends into said central axial bore in said projectile body means and is seated therein under pressure when said tip means and said projectile body means are connected.
 5. A projectile according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of said tip means, bounding said hollow space, includes reinforcing rib means extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the said projectile over at least a projectile portion of the length of said hollow space.
 6. A projectile according to claim 5, wherein said outer jacket means of said tip means includes a bore therethrough, permitting the flow of gases between said hollow space within said tip means and the exterior of said projectile.
 7. A projectile according to claim 6, wherein said bore through said outer jacket means extends substantially in the axial direction of said projectile and is spaced laterally from the central axis of said projectile.
 8. A projectile according to claim 7, wherein said central core means includes an axial bore therein, said axial bore extending inwardly from said rearward end of said central core means.
 9. A projectile according to claim 8, wherein said tip means is constructed of a relatively low-density synthetic resinous material.
 10. In a projectile for practice or other short-range purposes, including projectile body means having a central bore extending therethrough, the improvement comprising detachable and readily destructible tip means including central core means and outer jacket means, integral with said central core means at the forward end thereof and extending radially outwardly therefrom and rearwardly, thus defining an annularly shaped hollow space between said central core means and said outer jacket means, said hollow space being open in the rearward direction, the rear end of said outer jacket means being provided with means for securing said tip means to said projectile body means prior to firing of the projectile, said outer jacket means having a predetermined wall thickness calculated to ensure rupture of the wall under the pressure of the propellant gases upon firing of the projectile.
 11. The improvement according to claim 10, wherein the rear end of said outer jacket means and the forward end of said projectile body means are constructeD as conformingly tapered surfaces which engage in the manner of a snap-lock connection.
 12. The improvement according to claim 11, wherein said outer jacket means is perforated by at least one bore extending therethrough, thus permitting passage of gases through said outer jacket means, said bore extending in a generally axial direction and being spaced laterally from the central axis of said projectile.
 13. The improvement according to claim 12, wherein said central core means extends into the central axial bore of said projectile body means when said tip means is attached thereto, said central core means being dimensioned such that it engages within said central axial bore with slight clamping force, said central core means having a centrally disposed axial bore extending inwardly from the rear end thereof over a portion of the length of said core means. 